Meet young Nigerian Medical student and Rugby king making waves in the Sports World, it’s no other person than Life University Club Rugby back-row player, Frederick Henry-Ajudua. The Crossover Athlete, defensive lineman for Jacksonville Jaguar of the NFL and Montreal Aouttes of the CFL. He was a 1st Team All American, 1st Team All MEAC Defensive end, and winner of the Defensive Player of the week after a brilliant performance against Bethune Cookman University. He’s a 3-time MEAC Conference champion. He spoke to Obaland Magazine reporter Chidinma Tijani about his desire to play for Nigeria Rugby club and more.
Can we meet you?
My name is Frederick Henry -Ajudua, from Delta State. I am a 27-year-old. I attended King’s College in Nigeria and then Hillside New Tech after I traveled to the U.S. at age 16. I was inspired to pledge my allegiance to Nigeria by the country Senior National Football Team, Super Eagles. I am a crossover Athlete. A defensive lineman.
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When did you start playing Rugby?
I started playing Rugby in February 2019.
Why do you want to play for Nigeria?
“When I was 5 years old I watched the Super Eagles go represent Nigeria in big tournaments, so I promised myself that I want to represent my country and bring light and stardom to my country. It is my pride and dream to play for my country. My greatest accomplishment.
Apart from American football which others have you played?
I ran track and played soccer all my life.
Since you started Rugby, do you enjoy it more than other games?
It’s the best sport I have played so far because it’s the combination of all sports and I love the brotherhood in rugby. I have played with Rugby Union, also played in the HBCU National Championship and a 2019 D1 Men’s Rugby National Championship, and a 2019 D1 Men’s Rugby National Champions. Its been fun all the way.
Have you played for Nigeria before?
No, I haven’t.
What’s your challenge as a Rugby player?
Helping Nigeria make it to a big tournament like the World Cup and the world 7s series. Yes, I would be happy but fulfillment is when Nigeria has a nation is just as good as South Africa and Kenya and other 1st tier nations.
What were your worst/best moments on the pitch as a Rugby player?
My worst rugby moment is losing both times to the Atlanta 404, but my best moments so far is scoring three tries in a game and winning the national championship.
What do you do when you are not playing?
And I am in school to become a chiropractor so I learn to become a doctor.
How do you cope with schooling and playing this strong game?
Time Management is everything and also help from my great coach Dr. Bradford and my teammates. And my brother is friends in school with me.
How long do you intend to be on the field?
A while can’t put a year on it just yet I want to retire a legend of the game and I am not married yet.
How do you want to retire? And are married?
I want to retire a legend of the game and I am not married yet.
What can you say about your coach?
My coach’s name is Dr. Blake Bradford he’s a very good generous man. He saw me as a raw talent straight from football and he gave me a chance to play on his team. He is the most patient with me. He’s also a doctor of chiropractic so learn a lot from him even when he’s not teaching. Has a wonderful family and he’s like a father figure to me.
Who are your mentors?
Right now my mentors are my Father, Mother, and brothers.
Where do you see yourself in the next two years?
And I see my self playing overseas in the next 2 years with one of the big clubs and I will
Also, be a doctor.
Do you have any Nigerian players as friends?
Yes, I am friends with all of the leaders on the team. Like Hazeez, Ono, Joey and so many more. And I need to mention I am from Ibusa Delta State big and proud of my background.
Where did you grow up from?
I stayed 16 years in Lagos, then moved to London later to the USA.
